AHL TARGETS (ATLANTIC DIVISION)

9 years ago

In our continuing look at AHL players who may be used as deadline trade assets, we come to the Atlantic. This is a strong division, led by a first-round goalie with a famous name and an emerging defenseman with a cannon shot.

LOS ANGELES (MANCHESTER MONARCHS)

D Colin Miller: As the video indicates, Miller possesses an impressive shot from the blue line and his boxcars (46GP, 14-22-36) reflect it. He has some work to do in coverage and other aspects but Miller is going to get some interest.
C Jordan Weal: Very successful AHL player, this is his third season in the league and he’s at a point-per-game (51GP, 13-34-47) pace. He’s 5.09, 173 and comes with a two-way reputation.
D Derek Forbort: Massive (6.04, 218) defender with good wheels and defensive acumen. In his second AHL season, Kings have always been very high on him. Hasn’t played in the NHL yet.

BOSTON (PROVIDENCE BRUINS)

G Malcolm Subban: First-round selection in 2012, he was .920 in the AHL a year ago and is matching it this season. Bigger goalie (6.02, 200), terrific athlete.
C Alexander Khokhlachev: 33 points in 41 AHL games this season, he also received a cup of coffee with the big club. 5’11, 185 and regarded as a quality offensive prospect.
R Seth Griffth: He’s a solid offensive prospect, undersized (5.11, 185) but scoring at a point per game in the AHL. Has played 30 NHL games this season (6-4-10).

ARIZONA (PORTLAND PIRATES)

C Henrik Samuelsson: Big forward with skill, former Oil Kings player and extremely like to stay put as a Coyote. Fun player, he’s performing well (49GP, 10-14-24) as a rookie pro.
C Jordan Martinook: Has reasonable size (6.00, 202) and plays a rugged game. The kicker is that he can actually play (44GP, 11-17-28) and has already seen some NHL action.
L Lucas Lessio: A throwback winger who can play a two-way game and has a physical edge. There’s enough talent to project him as an NHL regular (AHL this year: 29GP, 10-18-28) and he has played 22 NHL games this season.

Arizona is unlikely to trade any of these players, as they are in rebuild mode.

WINNIPEG (ST. JOHN’S ICECAPS)

R Scott Kosmachuk: Two-way winger who posted an outstanding final season of junior, he’s now in the AHL and beginning the climb. He’s 49GP, 10-6-16 and a solid NHL prospect.
G Connor Hellebuyck: A strong pro debut (.925SP in 44 AHL games) has him trending but he was a rock solid college goalie so the resume is there.
C Chase Balisy: I’m not absolutely sure he’s a Jets prospect (he signed with St. John’s) but Balisy is a smart two-way center who is 52GP, 12-18-30 as a rookie pro in the AHL. Drafted by Nashville, they didn’t sign him but he’s an interesting prospect.

SAN JOSE (WORCESTER SHARKS)

C Chris Tierney: A very nice two-way prospect who is flourishing in pro hockey at age 20. It’s likely his future lies with the Sharks (23GP, 1-6-7 with the big club and 26GP, 7-17-24 in the AHL) as he’s certainly one of the best rookies in the minors this season.
D Konrad Abeltshauser: 6.05, 225 and mobile, he isn’t an offensive defender but does possess a range of skills. AHL point total (48GP, 3-16-19) suggests he’ll be able to contribute some but his value will come from defense.
D Dylan DeMolo: Puck-moving defender is mobile and has a plus shot. Smart defender who can pass or skate his way into good situations.

Up next: AHL’s East Division.